GAUTENG. – 30 detectives at the Olievenhoutbosch police station must share one computer, while only three chairs are available for them. These are among the shortcomings that Ian Cameron, parliamentary chair of the police portfolio committee, identified during an oversight visit with Cilliers Brink of the DA to four police stations in Pretoria and the surrounding area.
Cameron says the visits to Olievenhoutbosch, Pretoria West, Akasia and Lyttelton revealed serious infrastructure and equipment shortages. At Olievenhoutbosch, police officers use their own cell phones for investigations and a trailer still serves as office space. Pretoria West's facilities are cramped and the victim-friendly facility offers insufficient space and privacy. At Akasia there is no electricity, a waiting area or a separate private consultation room. Lyttelton has only two complaint response vehicles, while four are needed. The loss of detention facilities also means that detainees must be transported to other police stations, which places further pressure on the available vehicles.
Cameron says he was impressed by the optimism among police officers at Lyttelton, despite the difficult circumstances under which they work. He emphasises that police officers must be given the necessary equipment and infrastructure to do their work properly. He calls on SAPS management to accept accountability and provide funded solutions with clear target dates. Cameron says he will provide feedback on progress with the issues identified during the visits.
This article is an automatic English translation of a Nuusflits article originally published in Afrikaans. Read the Afrikaans original.
